Miscellaneous – Page 2

The ‘Build Back Better World’ Initiative: Is Diplomacy ‘Back’?

A the recent G7 Summit, leaders claimed that “Diplomacy is back”. Given that this was the first time in two years that leaders had met in person, the opportunity was seized to discuss what they considered to be the world’s most pressing issues, including vaccine inequity, climate change, global taxes, and current conflicts. Most central to this claim, however, was the announcement of the ‘Build Back Better World’ infrastructure initiative. … Continue readingThe ‘Build Back Better World’ Initiative: Is Diplomacy ‘Back’?

THE WORLD NEEDS IT | THE CASE FOR TOKYO 2020

As the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics commenced last night, protests throughout the Japanese capital opposed what many considered to be a risky imposition during a global pandemic. This comes as Japan records over 5,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, a spike which saw spectators banned from Olympic events. This begs the question whether it was wise for the Japanese Government and the International Olympic Committee to continue with the Games. The simple answer is not one based on logic. It has its roots in the romanticism of sports as a uniting force and the need to distract billions from the devastation and gloom they are suffering. … Continue readingTHE WORLD NEEDS IT | THE CASE FOR TOKYO 2020

BEARING WITNESS: SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S ‘A LIFE ON OUR PLANET’

Climate change has morphed into an abstract ideological issue, seemingly disconnected from everyday life. Sir David Attenborough’s biopic: A Life On Our Planet bridges the chasm between climate change as a concept and climate change as an everyday reality. Opening with the deserted Chernobyl, Attenborough … Continue readingBEARING WITNESS: SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S ‘A LIFE ON OUR PLANET’

JOURNALISTS: PAWNS IN A VOLATILE CHESSBOARD?

The arrest of high-profile Australian journalist Cheng Lei in China on suspicion of ‘criminal activity endangering China’s national security’ triggered a series of events that was coined by some commentators as a unique diplomatic standoff. This included Australian correspondents, Bill Birtles and Mike Smith, being … Continue readingJOURNALISTS: PAWNS IN A VOLATILE CHESSBOARD?

THE FACE RACE: PITFALLS OF FACIAL RECOGNITION

With countries increasingly utilizing technology well past what would have previously been imagined, it is crucial to understand how this area has expanded and the real concerns that emerge particularly around the area of privacy. Australia is investing in a facial recognition system called “The Capability” and … Continue readingTHE FACE RACE: PITFALLS OF FACIAL RECOGNITION

DATA ENCRYPTION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT – A STARTLING ADVANCEMENT

On December 2018, the Australian government passed the Assistance and Access Act 2018, a controversial law requiring technology companies to allow security agencies and the police to access encrypted messages of Australians. This law is the first in the world to have such reach and … Continue readingDATA ENCRYPTION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT – A STARTLING ADVANCEMENT

LIBRA: THE NEW COIN ON THE BLOCK

Digital currency became an even hotter topic last month when the Libra Association, made of Facebook and 27 partner companies such as Uber, Paypal and Mastercard, announced the new block chain-based “Libra Coin”. The new currency, Libra, will be able to be used for purchases … Continue readingLIBRA: THE NEW COIN ON THE BLOCK

FROM THE ASHES WE RISE, THE LESSONS LEARNT FROM NEW ZEALAND

At 1.40pm on the 15th of March, New Zealand saw one of its darkest days since 1990 when Brenton Tarrant, an Australian white supremacist, initiated twin shootings at Mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers. These devastating attacks resulted in fifty people losing their lives and … Continue readingFROM THE ASHES WE RISE, THE LESSONS LEARNT FROM NEW ZEALAND

MORE POWERFUL TOGETHER

International Women’s Day, a brief history and a bright future. “I am not free while any other woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde For almost a century, March 8th has been a revolutionary stand point … Continue readingMORE POWERFUL TOGETHER

AWAKENING TO 2019 – JANUARY IN REVIEW

Pivot’s closing article for 2018 indicated that global affairs are shifting to a new normal and so must get used to expecting the unexpected. Only one month in to 2019 and we have been witness to both the thinkable and unthinkable. To say January was … Continue readingAWAKENING TO 2019 – JANUARY IN REVIEW

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Category: Miscellaneous